Former England striker Jimmy Greaves is "conscious but unable to speak" after a severe stroke, his agent, Terry Baker, said Tuesday.
The 75-year-old Greaves is in intensive care after being admitted on Sunday following his second stroke in three years.
Greaves faces a "long period of rehabilitation," his wife, Irene, said in a statement.
"Jimmy is having to do what he is told, and understands the seriousness of what has happened to him," his wife said. "It is going to be a long, slow road to recovery and he is in the best possible hands."
She thanked the "many thousands of you who have voiced your support and concern."
With 44 goals in 57 international matches, Greaves is England's fourth-highest scorer and was part of the 1966 World Cup-winning squad. He also holds the Tottenham scoring record with 266 goals in 379 matches, and was due to be inducted into the club's hall of fame this month.
This content appears as provided to The Globe by the originating wire service. It has not been edited by Globe staff.